Abu Dhabi: Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani began an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday, marking his first trip to the Gulf country since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime last month. Shaibani's visit is part of a broader Gulf tour aimed at establishing new diplomatic ties and enhancing cooperation.

According to Anadolu Agency, Shaibani is accompanied by Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and intelligence chief Anas Khattab. The delegation is set to discuss opportunities for cooperation and coordination between Syria and the UAE. This visit follows the UAE's first declared contact with the new Syrian administration on December 23, when Shaibani engaged in a phone conversation with his Emirati counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, to explore ways to strengthen bilateral relations.

Before arriving in the UAE, Shaibani visited Qatar on Sunday and Saudi Arabia earlier last week, marking his first overseas visits since assuming office. His current tour is expected to continue with a visit to Jordan, as announced by Shaibani on Friday.

The recent political changes in Syria saw Assad, who led the country for nearly 25 years, flee to Russia after anti-regime groups gained control of Damascus on December 8. This marked the end of the Baath Party's long-standing regime. The takeover was spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters, capturing key cities in a swift offensive that lasted less than two weeks.